Apple is edging closer to offering end‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages, a feature first outlined by the GSMA in March 2025. A tweet from user Tiino‑X83 revealed that the iOS 26.3 beta contains a new carrier‑bundle flag allowing operators to toggle E2EE on or off for RCS traffic. The setting likely satisfies the GSMA’s requirement that users see the encryption status, a safeguard for regions where local law may restrict full‑blown encryption.Apple introduced basic RCS support with iOS 18, which implements Universal Profile 2.4, essentially a modernized SMS fallback.

The latest beta suggests the company is laying groundwork for future updates across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS, though no carrier has activated the feature yet. If enabled, encrypted RCS would let iPhone users exchange secure messages with Android devices, closing a long‑standing interoperability gap. Analysts see this move as a response to growing consumer demand for privacy and to align Apple’s messaging ecosystem with industry standards.

The next software release may finally bring visible, encrypted cross‑platform chats to millions of users.